Ukraine has received a significant boost in its defensive capabilities against Russia following new permissions from Western allies to use advanced weaponry. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has endorsed the use of Western weapons by Ukraine in counterattacks against Russia, aligning Germany with the USA and NATO allies. This strategic shift is seen as a reaction to Russia’s intensified attacks on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, launched from areas near the Russian border.
The impact of these new permissions has begun to manifest on the ground with a notable Ukrainian offensive in Wolchansk, a city roughly 70 kilometers northeast of Kharkiv. According to Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda, Ukrainian forces now control 70 percent of Wolchansk, a significant gain as the battle in the region intensifies. Lieutenant Colonel Nazar Voloshin, the spokesman for Ukraine's operational-strategic force 'Khortytsya,' confirmed these developments, emphasizing that the Ukrainian military is keeping Russian 'invaders under control.'
Heavy confrontations continue around Wolchansk as Russian forces persist in attempting to advance. The Ukrainian defense is leveraging newly supplied Western arms to repel these incursions. According to the analysis project Deep State, the northern part of Wolchansk has suffered extensive damage due to relentless Russian artillery, with up to 80 percent of the area rendered uninhabitable.
Western weapons are playing a vital role in Ukraine's defense strategy. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) underscores the critical importance of Western air defense systems and weaponry to counter Russian air and missile assaults on Kharkiv. The Ukrainian military's ability to use these powerful tools is expected to significantly deter Russian advances, and drone footage and videos from the front lines reveal the destructive impact these arms are having on Russian positions.
The approval to use Western weapons has also enabled Ukraine to conduct cross-border strikes, targeting Russian military installations. Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian forces, using Himars rocket systems, destroyed a Russian S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft defense system in Belgorod, also causing casualties among Russian troops. This marked the first instance where Ukraine used Western-supplied systems to strike deep into Russian territory.
Despite the lifted restrictions, Ukraine faces limitations on the use of longer-range missiles, which remains a point of negotiation with Western allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude for the support but called for more extensive permissions to counter Russia’s aerial bombardments, which continue to afflict Kharkiv as well as other regions close to the border.
- The successful defensive operations in Wolchansk signify a shifting momentum on the Ukrainian front lines, emphasizing the crucial role of international aid in empowering Ukraine's military capabilities.
- Despite the boost from Western weapons, Ukraine continues to advocate for broader permissions and support to fully counter the extensive range of threats posed by Russian forces. The targeted use of advanced weaponry has already shown considerable promise, but Ukrainian officials stress the need for further assistance to consolidate and expand their defensive and offensive measures.
